Special health camps held in Woraiyur after 39 people report vomitting and diarrhoea

Health workers distributing medicines to residents of the affected areas in Woraiyur on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: R. SELVA MUTHU KUMAR

After the death of three persons, including a 4-year-old girl, in Woraiyur in Tiruchi on Saturday, special health camps are being held at several streets to screen patients and give them medication.

A sanitation worker cleaning the space near water tank in Woraiyur on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
R. SELVA MUTHU KUMAR

Nearly 40 individuals residing on Panickan Street and Minnappan Street reported sickness involving vomiting and diarrhoea in the past few days and were admitted to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital and private hospitals for treatment. Three persons namely M. Priyanka, 4, Latha, 60, and Maruthambal, 85, died.

The residents alleged that their health issues were caused by drinking water mixed with sewage. Following complaints, the officials inspected the drinking water supply pipeline in Woraiyur and two overhead tanks supplying water to the area were cleaned. Drinking water supply has been suspended and water is being supplied to the affected areas in Wards 8 and 10 through tanker lorries.

A team of workers is engaged in identifying pipeline leaks or damage in areas if any, causing water contamination and a sample of the drinking water has been taken and sent for analysis.

According to the officials, over 39 cases of diarrhoea and vomiting were reported on Saturday. Subsequently, special health camps are being held at Minnappan Street, Kalyan Street, Agraharam Pandamangalam, Muslim Street, Nadar Panikan Street, Fathima Nagar, Linga Nagar, Kavalkara Street and Aravanur to check and monitor the condition of the residents.

“The diarrhoea cases have come down, and the area has been brought under health surveillance. A door-to-door visit to distribute tablets including antibiotics, zinc tablets. and oral rehydration salts is underway. So far, over 11,875 medications have been provided to residents,” said V. Saravanan, Corporation Commissioner.

An investigation is under way to ascertain whether the health issues were caused by the food they consumed. Samples have been taken and test reports waited, officials said.